MIDA – FMM Industrial Linkage Day Offers Global Supply Chain Business Opportunities to Malaysian SMEs
Seberang Jaya, Penang, June 21, 2023 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has successfully organised the MIDA-FMM Industrial Linkage Day (Penang) at The Light Hotel, Penang today. The event brought together 11 anchors (multi-national companies (MNCs)) and more than 50 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under the theme “Accelerating Localisation, Stimulating Economic Growth, Augmenting Sustainability”. The strong turnout of over 200 participants indicated a high level of interest from MNCs operating in Malaysia to source products from local SMEs. Similarly, many SMEs expressed their readiness, to supply to MNCs and eager to be part of the global supply chain.
The FMM Industrial Linkage Programme (ILP), one of FMM’s flagship programmes, supports SMEs in exploring business opportunities within the global supply chain. It aims to help SMEs overcome high-entry barriers and contribute value to the economy by connecting them with MNCs and large local companies (LLCs) that have the potential to become competitive manufacturers and suppliers.
FMM and MIDA have closely collaborated to promote the ILP as a practical move to assist SMEs in strengthening their business recovery post-COVID-19 and offers benefits to MNCs through cost savings and improved supply chain security.
The event was jointly inaugurated by YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of MIDA, and YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, President of FMM. The programme kickstarted with a presentation by Mr. Kenny Tan, FMM ILP National Task Force Chairman, who presented an overview of the ILP and FMM’s vision for the programme during the launch. While Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Investment Promotion and Facilitation of MIDA, presented on driving domestic direct investment through partnerships and capability transformation.
The forum on “Criteria for the Successful Localisation”, featured representatives from anchor companies (MNCs) in the electrical and electronics, machining technology and medical device sectors. These companies including Micron Memory Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Plexus Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., VAT Manufacturing Malaysian Sdn. Bhd., Ultra Clean Technology (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Dexcom (M) Sdn. Bhd. and Boston Scientific Medical Device (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., shared practical tips on how SMEs can effectively penetrate the global supply chain. A series of business matching meetings involving 11 MNCs and 50 SMEs also took place during the latter part of the MIDA-FMM ILP Day (Penang).
YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of MIDA, in his keynote address, highlighted, “In such a dynamic business environment, MNCs, LLCs and SMEs have much to gain by joining hands in partnership. Each entity brings unique strengths and advantages to the table. MNCs and LLCs by virtue of their size, are able to provide a depth of expertise, economies of scale, and access to the latest technologies. Over the years, we have attracted many best-in-class firms to anchor their operations in Malaysia. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these MNCs, local businesses can reap the benefits of knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and improved market access opportunities. On the other hand, agile SMEs make quick decisions, operate nimbly, and drive innovation. It is through these partnerships that we create an unstoppable force, ensuring the robust growth of our nation’s economy.”
According to YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, President of FMM, “collaboration with MNCs is a crucial factor in enabling the internationalisation efforts of SMEs, empowering them to expand their presence and play a significant role in the global market. Through the Industrial Linkage Programme (ILP), FMM acts as an intermediary and matchmaker and provide a platform to link and connect local SMEs and LLCs with MNCs. Since the launch of ILP in 2021, we have successfully onboarded 22 anchor companies and 196 supplier companies”.
“Moving forward, through the ILP programme, we hope to have many spin-off effects and value creation where we can create a pool of world-class local vendors/ suppliers who can add value to the economy” added YBhg. Dato’ Lee Tiong Li, Chairman of FMM Penang Branch.
Ms. Heng Charng Yee, Chief Executive Officer of Globetronics Technology Berhad said “Globetronics began life with a multinational as its first customer and this has enabled the Malaysian-based and owned company to begin operations from a world class quality baseline. This cornerstone fuelled the expansion of the company to what it is today and helped us establish the comprehensive supply chain that we have now in Malaysia”.
Mr. Sayron Ruiz, Engineering Director of Boston Scientific Medical Device (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., who was one of the panelists at this event, shared, “This collaborative effort between MIDA and FMM, aimed at bridging MNCs with local SMEs to enhance the supply chain ecosystem and improve the capabilities of local companies, is instrumental in bringing together industry stakeholders and fostering a conducive business environment for growth and innovation. Through the Industrial Linkage Programme (ILP), we have the opportunity to create a pool of world-class local vendors/suppliers who can add significant value to the Malaysian economy. By leveraging the expertise and resources of multinational companies, such as Boston Scientific, we can fuel the expansion and development of local businesses, ultimately establishing a comprehensive and robust supply chain ecosystem in Malaysia.”
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ABOUT MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.
ABOUT FMM
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has been the voice of the Malaysian manufacturing sector since 1968. Representing over 12,100-member companies (3,700 direct and 8,400 indirect) from the manufacturing supply chain, FMM is actively engaged with government and its key agencies at Federal, State and local levels. FMM is also well-linked with international organisations, Malaysian businesses and civil society. Apart from benefitting from FMM’s advocacy, FMM members enjoy value-add services, including training, business networking and trade opportunities as well as regular information updates.
Media Enquiries
MIDA
En. Sukri Abu Bakar
Director, Domestic Investment Division
Tel: +603- 2267 3685 | Email: [email protected]
FMM
Ms. Han Mong Ying
Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tel: +603-6286 7200 |Email: [email protected]
